Psychology of Individual Differences MSc

I feel privileged to be learning from and working with leading researchers in the field. For many of my classes, the key readings always include staff within the University. I know they're just people but it can be a bit surreal to know I'm studying with some of the more renowned scholars in my area. To add to that they have been approachable and welcoming to my needs, questions and interests.

Sam Henry MSc Psychology of Individual Differences, 2018

Online information sessions: 24 June

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COVID-19

We are committed to offering a high-quality experience to all our students. We are working to minimise the impact of COVID-19, but we have reluctantly decided that we will be unable to offer this programme for entry in 2020.

We anticipate that this degree will be available again for entry in September 2021, but we are not currently in the position to confirm that. Applications for the next intake usually open in October.

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This programme provides an exciting opportunity to gain intensive
training in the psychology of individual differences by a large team
of world-class researchers.

It provides advanced graduate-level study in
the field of the psychology of individual differences and psychological
research skills, and forms a strong basis for further (typically PhD) study.

There are two key subdivisions in the study of human individual
differences: personality and mental abilities. Psychology at Edinburgh has
a uniquely large number of world-class researchers in both subdivisions.

The programme covers psychometric research methods, the foundations
and correlates of human individual differences (including approaches
involving information processing, brain-imaging, molecular genetics
and biometric models), and the application of individual differences in
personality to health. No prior experience of the psychology of individual
differences is assumed.

The programme is aimed primarily at students who are considering advanced research in the area. Students who follow this programme will gain:

an in-depth understanding of current research issues, research and methodology in the psychology of individuals

the ability to formulate research questions and apply appropriate research methods to increase understanding of individual differences in human personality and human mental abilities

advanced understanding of seminal and recent scientific findings relating to the study of human individual differences and the ways in which individual differences are currently being studied or applied

skills in research management, including managing data and disseminating research in ways consistent with professional practice in the field of individual differences and the normal principles of research ethics

a firm basis for subsequent advanced specialised research within the psychology of individual differences

a broad understanding and awareness of issues and findings in the psychology of individual differences through application to other disciplines such as human cognitive neuropsychology, molecular genetics, evolutionary psychology, epidemiology and health psychology

International qualifications

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

For 2020 entry we accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)

TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 23 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

PTE Academic: total 67 (at least 61 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)

CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)

Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.5 in each module)

TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 100 (at least 23 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 176 in each module)

Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

*(Revised 21 February 2020 to remove PTE Academic from 2021 entry requirements. Revised 21 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition in 2020 and 2021 entry requirements.)

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

Featured funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)

We operate a gathered field approach to applications for MSc Psychology of Individual Differences. This means that all complete applications that satisfy our minimum entry requirements will be held until the nearest deadline and the admissions panel will meet to consider all applications received together after that date. To be considered as having met the deadline, your application must include transcripts and an academic reference.

Applications must be complete with all supporting documentation to be passed on for consideration, this includes references. Please ensure that you inform referees of any deadline you wish to meet.

References

You will be asked to add contact details for your referees. We will email them with information on how to upload their reference directly to your online application. Alternatively, they can email their comments to:

Personal statement

In addition to the supporting documents requested on the application form, you should include a personal statement detailing the background of your interest and why you are attracted to the programme. We expect you to have a good understanding of the field you propose to study.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number
SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a
“Recognised body” which has been
granted degree awarding powers.